Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Blogging and Energy

Lately I have been turning off the news. I've been a news junkie. Over the last many months, since before the election, and subsequent dismantling of our economy, I was glued. And listening to all the angry voices out there, angry for good reason, I might add, I realized I couldn't overcome the the number one Spiritual Law of the Universe. "Like attracts like". Whatever you focus on returns to you. My anger was returning to me, and it wasn't pretty. The news media feeds on that anger because it sells. The only way to break the cycle was to turn off the news programs and quit visiting my many aggregate news sites, newspapers on-line, and magazines. Time to let Obama do what he is going to do, trusting that he has our back. I was like a junkie. I needed to get it under control before I needed anti-depressants, or therapy.

Like most addictions, you need a replacement. In my case it became blogging. I started out by hanging around my daughters blog. But she is in a completely different stage in life, and I kind of felt a little out of place. I will always be interested in children and families, but this blogging forum was more about new mommies who wanted to connect with other new mommies. No, what I needed was something different. So I started going to Blog of Note, and found a couple of sites there. But my biggest breakthrough was following some of the comments on those sites. The beautiful thing about blogging is that it is inclusive. You don't have to be young, old, athletic, beautiful, handsome, smart, rich or poor to be included. You just have to leave a comment. Certain rules do apply, however. Mean comments will be deleted and so will you. The blog will either become private, or all the comments will be approved before they appear on the blog. A nice little built-in hate stopper. But thoughtful comments are appreciated by everyone.

Which brings me to energy.

I have been noticing a certain energy pattern in blogging. We are drawn to the sites that have something we need. It may be a quality that we have not yet developed, an interest we want to pursue, a need to be cheered, information, a friendly "voice" in the night. But we find them, and they find us. We are never alone, if we don't want to be. And everyone has something to offer. And I think that is the real beauty of it. You may not think what you have to say is of any interest to anyone, but rest assured someone is interested. What you have to offer is valuable. So all you new bloggers out there, keep exploring the blog world, and remember "like attracts like".

73 comments:

I stopped watching the news after 9/11. I rarely watch at all, even during times of election. The only "news" I can handle are the Hollywood gossip sites like TMZ. I may be sheltered, but I also know my triggers. Blogging has also been a substitute for certain bad behaviours I acquired during my depression. And let me tell you, seeing my first ever comment was the most thrilling thing! When you suddenly see that you have new Followers, it makes you feel like people are enjoying your blog; and, at least in my case, makes me want to give them something interesting to read. I've met a few nice people recently, we either communicate through email, or commenting, or other message boards. It's nice!

I mentioned to a neighbour that I write a blog and he turned his nose up and said "uh huh". Obviously he hasn't experienced it the way I have. I think that many people are way too busy, stressed out and unhappy to enjoy the blogging world. I'm glad I found this way to keep my mind busy, meet nice people, gain different perspectives and learn new things.

Beautifully expressed and also I think you're right in what you say. 'The Golden Rule' no matter how it's portrayed, lived out or where expressed always always come to the fore for those who are sincere and honest.

I'm afraid the US is one of the worst places I've lived in term of what's available on the news... it seems like they purposely want to scare you, are always pushing the propaganda and have a very narrow view of what is considered newsworthy... And if they do mention a story that you find of interest, you can be sure you'll never hear about it again! No follow up, all they want is "breaking" news! Sigh! I've actually had friends comment after a brief trip to the US why they people there were so afraid and paranoid... just after watching the TV a few times they said was enough to freak them out!In Spain (and much of Europe) it's much more balanced, with an hour newscast being dedicated (usually) 1/3 to national, 1/3 to international, 1/3 to (unavoidable) sports (usually mostly football -soccer- unless there's a big tennis tournament then we get a lot of Nadal news, yay!) and then the weather. When I want more info I go online to national newspapers or hit the NY Times website. There's still so much more information available in newspapers than what you see on the nightly news.

As for blogging, you're right, we all dip into the blogosphere looking for something different and yet alike. For someone who's found a voice to express our own thoughts when we haven't quite figured it out ourselves.

And yet we (or at least I) also look for people who are quite different. It's a chance to broaden your view of the world, by getting to know what people who live in another country, another society, with another mentality, think. And then frequently realise that deep down we're all not that different from each other! :o)

"Whatever you focus on returns to you." Dear LOL,I just had to say how much I agree with this statement. I deal with the public a lot at shows and on the web. The more I am out there in the public, the more encounters I have both good and bad. Sometimes people approach me with aggressive fear and anger, but if I simply tell them I'm listening, and I will help them with their problem if I can, all of that anger seems to melt away very quickly. The key is not to get angry right back at them. Peace.

Good post and ever so true. I don't listen to the news for exactly the same reason. They all seem to have an agenda and that is to play against our fears. I am relatively new to the blogging world but have found blogs that are comforting, enlightening and full of information that is news worthy. You can choose which ones to read and if you don't like the view given, just find another.

How right you are! I stopped keeping up with the news awhile ago and I don't think I've suffered from it. The only thing I've lost is a sense of frustration and desparation. The world will go on whether we keep up with all the negativity or not!

And, as far as blogging goes, I have found there are so many insightful, feeling people out there that I look forward to connecting with everyday.

I love what you've said here. So true. Isn't it amazing how we find people that have just what we needed to hear or we give to someone something, maybe they were missing. I notice people changing, and in good ways or commenting that they received something really nice from something that they read. What a gift :) I have people that visit my blog that are 20 and people that are up there....not sure how far...LOL, but I find it fascinating how much we can gain from one another when we tear down those superficial barriers. Normally a 20-year-old probably might dismiss what I have to say, but throught the blog they are able to separate, gee, this might be my mom talking, and just focus on the message. That's a wonderful thing! And I love to visit your blog! You always give me something to think about and I appreciate it so much!

We seem to share common views. I am where you are in life. I was a MySpace addict for a while. But it seems that the social sites are for people that need to post things like, "woke up with a headache, life sucks!" OK, I have better things to read. I love blogging... would do it more if I wasn't afraid of boring my few followers.

I'm new here! I can't remember now how I found you... I was bored and clicking on comments and reading lists until I came across this.

I was thinking earlier about why I follow the blogs I do and what catches my eye there. Like attracts like, you're right, so I guess I tend to be attracted to thoughtful people, those that look below the surface of things, which you seem to do.

I've stopped watching the news too, for the most part. Sometimes I try to catch the end of the NBC nightly news because they do that "making a difference" segment that's uplifting. Otherwise everything is so depressing.

We're not much of news-watchers here either, just enough to be aware, to know what's going on. But no overloads, I agree, it really isn't healthy that way. As for the blogging community, it is a wonderful way to share thoughts,and connect with like-minded blog friends!

If I may add something... I'm a bit worried by the number of people who are "giving up on the news". By that I hope they mean the nightly horror session shown on network TV... and not ALL news in general... because that would be bad and sad in my opinion.

Too many of the problems the world is facing get exacerbated because people aren't well informed, because they have no idea what is happening in the world in which they live, because they lack the tools toplace a problem in its historical and geographical context. Learning to watch and read good news is helpful, if for no other reason than being well informed will keep you from being vulnerable (or even gullible) when sleek, oily, smooth-talking politicians try to win you over to their (often) extreme point of view...

The before the last time I was in the States (doing a course at Duke University) I was alarmed to discover while talking to other students that they actually believed the tales that Saddam Hussein had ties with Al Qaeda (when they hate each other, representing opposite extremes), and they didn't know that the Taliban had risen in Afghanistan thanks to CIA funding etc at the end of the Cold War... And let's not get started on the WMD fiasco...

Sorry, I try to avoid talking politics because I know it's often a source of friction but... I get scared when I see people willingly not wanting to know what's going on in the world...

I'm a new blogger and I have wondered how many if any read mine or if I just send this stuff out into the ether. I've never been a blog reader til I started one and found this site which I now follow. I invite all to visit mine.

But to the subject at hand...that is exactly what I would tell my children when they were growing up...that what you put out there comes back to you. I've never been a news junkie and it has served me well. I have wondered if I was being the ostrich, but you know, I just can't fill my world with negativity.

I find it's not about not knowing what's going on in the world, I get the clips of the big stuff...it's the extreme focus on it day after day after day after day, unrelentless in the negativity, with no positive spin to balance things.

I KNOW what's going on in the world and unfortunately it's a variation on the same thing that has always gone on, natural disaster, war, famine, disease and what I want is someone to tell me of some good in the world because on a day to day basis I see a lot of compassion and good in humanity.

I too don't watch it either, I do read it though to get the information, just don't want the biased, fear-based rather than information based slant.

I used to be an avid blogger when I was finishing high school. Now that I am coming out of univeristy, I have just recently (as in last night) picked it up as a hobby again. Your post was very encourgaing to read! Thank you

You and I are on the same neural pathway right now. I wrote something similar this morning in womenofcertainage.blogspot.com but I saved it til I could finish it which was just now. Then I checked my Reader and saw your post and read it and am surprized to find we are saying something very similar with respect to what we get out of blogging. Cheers!

I, here in America, usually watch TV or listen to radio because of my English. The thing is I can understand what you mean. Even I was in Korea, I had a same idea as you. Compared to America, Korea is really fast and intense country, so media shows everything around us. Therefore, everyone knows and cares about people's gossip which I hate and is stressful all the time. But here in America, it is a little bit different. Even this country is a little bit turbulent, I might say that American people are more relax and still have the American dream for everyone.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I am still visiting any new blogs, but maybe I should clarify a little. I, too, believe part of our problems have been because we have been asleep at the wheel. Not being well informed has allowed our politicians and businessmen to run wild. And I'm not talking about not knowing what is going on in the world - I still keep up, and I am awake now. But I think a couple of you put it perfectly - I'm just not feeding on it anymore. It becomes unhealthy. You need to take a step back and put things in perspective, I think. For me, it was the healthy thing to do because I was mad all the time. And some "entertainers" posing as journalists feed on people being angry. That's how they make a living.

Our nation needs to get some balance, and if you are listening to something, or reading something that is really ugly - you need to reevaluate. (Hear that Rush?)

What you've said in your blog is so funny to me. You said in response to something that I wrote that you will visit my blog. I was thinking I hope you are not disappointed as your writing skills are much better than mine. Then what you have just written is an affirmation for me. Maybe you will not like my blog and the way it is writen but someone somewhere needs to hear and connects with with what I have to say. I don't get a lot of comments but people tell me they read my blog. I also broadcast on Facebook and people comment there. There's no need for insecurity.

I watch the BBC news because I like it. It is impartial and interesting without being biased.I allow myself 20 mins a day, roughly. In that time I can get the main points. After that I go for something more regional and then that's it. As I get older, I am far more selective about what I watch. I enjoyed your comments, they made me think, thank you. Blessings, Star

Like attracts like. How true is that. In the blogging community, I am not so sure though. I had a blog for years that was my "escape" and I looked for others who were opposite of that....people who blogged about the things I wasn't feeling at the time. I loved it. BUT, bloggers are bloggers so in a sense we ARE all the same aren't we? :) Now, my old blog is gone, *sad face*, and my husband and have started a blog together. It's pretty new so we shall see how it goes. SO far so good.

I just said this morning, "Isn't there something positive in the world, and if so, why aren't we hearing about it in the news?" I'm so very tired of the negativity and decided to spend my time pursuing happier things. I'm not only an empty nester, but lost my precious husband of 40 years a few months back and unexpectedly. Gloom and Doom isn't something I need to be spending my time, and what little energy I can muster right now, listening too. This was an incredible post and I found you through Blogs of Note. ♥

I think you are right about turning off the media stuff. I tend to get too wrapped up in all that media frenzy myself, knowing that most of it is just created to sell more. Sad realization isn't it?At least your blogs get read and commented on, which is more than I can say for mine...Hang in there and let time take care of most of this....

I tell you man, spend enough time with complainy type people and you yourself will complain. Your totally right about the news. And as for blogging, hey, you put yourself out there and hope that somebody digs you and spreads the good word. Like attracts like. =)

Very well said - you write beautifully. I can only watch the news enough to keep informed as to what is going on but you are so right in that it is so easy to get addicted to it and the constant negativity can affect you.

And as a brand new blogger I like your insight on blogging and appreciate the tips. Thanks!

Blogging is a way to find lots of interesting people. I've found people who are so talented. It really enriches my life. I like blogs that are positive. I hope my blog offers something to others. I like being helpful.

I also stopped watching the news. I still flip through the local paper. But, I really am tired of the news on tv. We have no real control over the big headlines. Why stress? I think we both stopped after the election/ economy crash. Sorry my blog is also randomness - my job (teaching), my kids (AUGH - yes another blog with kids), and random thoughts.

News is actually media's attempt at building community. Thanks to the Internet, we bloggers have found a better mousetrap.We no longer need Desperate Housewives on television - we can find millions of them on line!As far as the news goes, I think it is exactly what the media has tried to avoid - a form of entertainment. Frankly, I can do far better. Just a trip to Wal-Mart will suffice...!

Hi, Thank you so much for visiting me! I am honored by your visit and your proffered friendship! You are so very kind! I think you have fabulous blog! And I love your post! Isn't it nice to find others who are in a later stage of life who dare to venture into the blogosphere!!?? Love it! I'm unfortunately a recovering news junkie myself :-) But I think perhaps my condition may be hopeless...LOL...BTW, I love your blogging name--Lover of Life! Terrific! I'll be back, for sure! Delighted to make a new friend!

I love the way you write - your style and the topics you deal with. I am fairly new to blogging, having started in February. I totally agree with you on this one. I used to watch the news, hungry to find out what was going on and if there was a light in this recession. Admitedly, I paid attention to the scandals as well, especially around the election. I am not from the US, so I used to watch our local news too but lately, I stopped watching all news programmes. Crime in Trinidad is at all all-time high and I'd rather not know how bad everything is getting. There is a murder counter on the newspapers - it is that bad. There is a Summit of the Americas slated to take place here and the government is bent on making the place look nice for the guests, without changing anything for the citizens. All of the news stations, whether local or US, are biased. They focus on the things that would get a bigger rise out of people instead of what is really going on. They thrive on controversy. It's ridiculous, so it is no wonder I shy away from the news - it's frustrating and depressing. Thank you for the post.

I totally agree with your view on the news and the feeding frenzy it creates. Unless there is somthing cataclysmic happening in the world, I have no real interest. You can skip watching it for a week, turn it back on and the same stories are there anyways.

As for the blogging, again you are right. It's not so much what we write but there will always be somebody reading it. Even if it's without leaving comments. My favourite part so far is practically going around the world while sitting in the same seat. I can get all the new of the world from people like you and your followers. And it's the truth. Imagine that.

That's the first time I've heard that, but it's really true. Like attracts like wow I've always just said life goes on. Ha-ha! I still watch the news mostly because I still want to know what's happening in the world. I just try not to let it get to me.

I completely agree with you about the news and also about blogging! I love what you have said about both... and doesn't like attract like... blogging has really allowed me to see that truth, as I have slowly learned what to post and how to say what it is I want to express to my readers... it is not so easy I have found ~ as I originally thought!

the news makes me angry and so I turned to the radio and now it's making me angry too... I should not blame the news for "making" me any way at all but the so called "news" is simply trash sensationalism and so often it is based upon the hurts of children... it is intolerable!

so instead of news, I read, make art and blog among a few other pastimes in my life... I feel psychically healthier and no less aware of what is truly important in life...thank you for this post, the way you express your feelings say it for me in a way I haven't been able to quite get together ;)

As for blogging, you're right, we all dip into the blogosphere looking for something different and yet alike. For someone who's found a voice to express our own thoughts when we haven't quite figured it out ourselves.

And yet we (or at least I) also look for people who are quite different. It's a chance to broaden your view of the world, by getting to know what people who live in another country, another society, with another mentality, think. And then frequently realise that deep down we're all not that different from each other! :o)//i feel the same.. :)

The beautiful thing about blogging is that it is inclusive. You don't have to be young, old, athletic, beautiful, handsome, smart, rich or poor to be included. You just have to leave a comment. That's right, we are free and equal to express our opinions of life.

I came to your blog through blog of note a few days ago and since then I have been following you. People look to blogging when they want to express all they have churning out in their mind. At least this is true in my case. At times I have felt depressed and I just took to write a blog and then either published it or still kept private (you never know you may reveal something and regret later). And nice comments on your post always make you feel better as you have been appreciated in a way and feel contributing to the universe. In the process you meet like minded people and spread the good energy around.

yes, i agree- i beleive that in this world called blogger, we are led by the blogging god to where we can do the most good and learn the most for our growth....i have blogged for over three years now and I LOVE what it has given me and what it has allowed me to give.I found you through 'blogs of note'- a lovely way to jump start the process and find someone special xx

I've been reading your blog for a while but never commented until you mentioned that there was always someone interested in what you say. Well, your right ... this is me and I'm interested, have been for a while though I've only recently taken the plunge to start my own blog. I stopped watching and reading in-depth news, preferring to stick with brief headlines until something important grabbed my attention. I find that reporters, especially those working with newspapers, not only glamorise their reports but they try to press their own opinions. I like making up my own mind on important issues. Congratulations on attaining Blog of Note.

Blogging is my news source, too. Like you I was a junkie. I've toned it down a great deal.

I love the democratic (small d) nature of blogging, that it is an open citizen media. But I also very much love the social network aspect of blogging.

It's wonderful to "know" you - and your daughter, too. There are so many marvelous people in the world, living their lives. They aren't famous or rich, but they are fabulous - and generous - by sharing their thoughts with the rest of us.

I'm one of those new bloggers you spoke of...it took me a very long time to work up the nerve to start exploring this new "sphere". Turns out it's rife with like minds, to my delighted surprise. Reading this post makes me wonder if you haven't been hanging out in my brain?

I believe that "like attracts like". I also have read Eckhart Tolle's books "The Power of Now" and "A New Earth". These books have changed my life and thinking.

I have also found that I have to turn off the news. My husband is a freelance journalist/writer, and he is a news junkie, and I became one too, over the years. I also became angrier and angrier, felt more and more disenfranchised, and experienced many days of depression periodically; I already have enough of that without any "help" from the screamers on cable news, thank you. I now turn it off once I have gotten an update.

I am 54, and I feel much as you do. This is a great time of life to reevaluate our lives, futures, our place in the world. And it truly IS all up to us. Change IS coming---we all feel it. I hope to make my contributions positive ones.

hi LOL,what you wrote is very inspiring and its just beautiful.im new to blogging too and just surfing around reading what others write, to find some inspiration and courage to start. after reading your post, i realised that whatever we share here may be may meaningful to others after all.

It is an interesting observation you make about creative energy. There are many religions who believe in the power of shared prayer, I believe in shared spiritual experience that can be as simple as coming together with two people you have common interests and move slowly to give gratitude for the treasures in life, never get to busy to reach out to someone in need and if you ever feel nudged to stick your nose where it is not welcome and you believe that you have been requested to befriend them, go forward and make a fool of yourself. It would be far better to look a fool temporarily than to ignore someone who really did care about being connected, to challenge him/her anew, we all could be a little more aware, no?

nice blog, thank you for caring about what is critical to good health :-)

I just want to thank you for posting what you did. I read the 2 most recent blogs on your page and my eyes started watering. I feel such an immense amount of relief right now. I have been searching; for God or something like that for a while, and have felt extraordinarily hopeless lately. Especially the last few days. You've given me hope that I desperately needed. Your wisdom is such a gift. I am young and in need of spiritual guidance. I will be avidly following your blog now, so thank you again!

I was recently given the Eckhart Tolle book you mention and have found it enhances my own spiritual beliefs, I do not feel threatened by it as some of my Christian friends are. 'like attracts like' has been resonating dramatically for me in my life of recent and now I have found your blog. Great posting thank you.

Regarding "Blogging and Energy"...what you say is indeed true. Like many others; I, too, stumbled upon this site and noticed many "twilight zone" type observations you have made that caused me to go...hmmm. Here's to Life In the Second Half. The journey continues... ~Nards~

I love your comments on energy and its impacts. This is something I learned a long time ago. Thank you for your encouragement to us knew bloggers and the reminder for me that I am still doing much seeking.

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About Me

I am a mother of two, grandmother of one, and married for over thirty years to the same wonderful man. My educational background is human development and family studies, so much of what I write about concerns people. I firmly believe we are all evolving humans, and life as we know it is never going to be the same.